Have you ever wondered what a Mangalsutra is called across India in different Indian languages? Did you know some Indian cultures do not have a tradition of wearing mangalsutra?
Malayalam: thaali
Marathi: mangalsutra
Kannada: mangalyasutra thaali
Telugu (multiple names): thaali, maangalyamu, mangalasutramu, or pustelu
Tamil: thaali
Konkani and Goan: dhaaremanior muhurtmani (big golden bead), mangalasutra with one or two gold discs and kasithaali with gold and coral beads.
Bihaari: Taagpaag
Kashmiri: dejhoor
In Kerala, a Christian version of the mangalsutra is called a “minnu”.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions, the two coin-sized gold discs are separated by 2-3 beads of different kinds. By tradition, one disc comes from the bride’s family and another from the groom’s side.
In Punjab, Sikh brides wear choora as a symbol of marriage. Additionally the bride’s father presents the groom with a gold kada (thick bracelet) and gold coins which are threaded onto a black thread and tied around the bride’s neck.
Bengali brides have no tradition of Mangalsutra and wear Shaka or conch bracelets.
Marwari and Oriya brides also do not have a tradition of Mangalsutra.
{Modern Mangalsutras}
In lieu of necklaces some women are opting for mangalsutra bracelets.
{Mangalsutra Origin}
Mangal means auspicious and sutra means cord or thread…ergo auspicious thread. Mangalsutras symbolize that a woman is married. Mangal means Each component has significance. The two strands made of black and old beads represent the energy of Hindu Gods Shiva and Shakti. Traditionally each mangalsutra is made of 9 black beads interspersed with 9 gold beads which represent the 9 forms of Primal Energy in Hinduism. The beads are believed to absorb any and all negative energy, protecting her body. The beads are believed to contain powers of Earth’s elements. Black = Earth and Water; Gold = Fire and Air. The combo of the four elements radiate off in waves, away from the woman wearing the mangalsutra.
Traditional mangalsutras have two cups. The cups represent the consistent containment and discarding of negative energy which rids a woman of her of negative energy and leads her path to ridding herself of karma and ultimately achieving nirvan.
During the wedding ceremony the groom places the mangalsutra on his bride and traditionally she wears it until her husband’s death.
{Take Aways}
The mangalsutra aka thaali aka taagapaag aka dejhoor is and always has been SO much more than a piece of jewelry. It’s a symbol and protector of a woman, her husband and her family. It’s a physical reminder to a woman of her power and strength.
The team at ShaadiShop enjoys sharing about our ancient, rich culture. It’s our contribution to keep our culture thriving by educating future generations and everyone involved in the Indian wedding industry.
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